Hindustani Vocal

Hindustani Vocal music is the classical music of Northern India. It’s a joyful and complex form of singing that embraces everything from Indian classical and semi-classical music, to devotional songs, Bhajans, and Bollywood film songs. As with all other kinds of music, it takes passion and perseverance to learn but, as you develop and become more confident, you’ll be amazed by how easily you start to glide through the octaves. Whether you want to learn Hindustani Vocal for your own solitary enjoyment, or you want to wow audiences with the sweetness and flexibility of your musical range, Hindustani Vocal is wonderful to perform and exquisite to listen to.

I’ll begin with the basics: vocal exercises and musical notation. After that, I’ll introduce you to ragas, which have been called “more than a tune, more than a melody” and are the melodic framework from which you can improvise your song. As part of that, you’ll also learn other important concepts like speed and rhythm (tala and laya) and the importance of ras in giving your song mood and emotion. In hardly any time at all, you’ll be able to perform simple ragas in Chhota khayal (‘small thought’) form and have a full understanding of Hindustani Vocal music.

I offer private face-to-face or online Hindustani Vocal lessons for beginners and intermediate students. Each student receives my undivided attention for the entire length of the lesson, and either 30 minute or 1-hour sessions are available. I design the lessons according to the students’ own pace and do everything I can to make the lessons as convenient, enjoyable and satisfying as possible.

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Testimonial

“Learning to play the harmonium has been a childhood dream of mine, and it is finally coming true after joining Jagtap Sir’s classes. His unique teaching style ignites enthusiasm in me, deepening my passion and willingness to learn. Every session feels like a mindfulness practice, helping me unwind despite my demanding work schedule. I feel truly blessed to have him as my guru.”

5
Dr Pandya, Radiologist, England
Vijay is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a deep-rooted understanding of every aspect of Sitar music which he offers generously to all his students
0
It was an amazing performance leaving an everlasting impression over our minds.
5
Dr Prakash Kumar
Medical Specialist, Reading England

When I had my first lesson with Vijay my intention was to have a one off class, but in that first hour I learned so much and I understood there was so much more to learn that I immediately signed up for 10 classes.

5
Santiago Alegrett
Sound Engineer UK

"Mr. Jagtap is a true diamond! I am SO delighted to have met him. I am taking Sitar lessons and am truly enjoying every session. He is genuinely professional in many Indian instruments including my favorite Sitar. His teaching method is really excellent, I learned the basics in a couple of sessions! I’m so grateful for his kindness!"

5
Sarwar Haidari
Engineer UK
As an adult beginner, I was rather apprehensive about learning the Harmonium. However, I have found Vijay’s style of teaching to be most empowering. His instructions are always very clear and easy to understand, making the learning process far less daunting and enjoyable than I had expected. Thanks to Vijay Ji’s expertise.
5
Keith
UK
Vijay is an excellent teacher and great artist, and I was impressed by his style of teaching
5
Prachi
Ipswich, Suffolk, England

Vijay is a truly wonderful sitar player! He creates a very beautiful sound that was perfect for our event. Our guests were all very complimentary of his music and Vijay was professional and organised to work with.

5
Anna Beketov
London
Vijay is a committed artist who infuses sheer magic in his performance and mesmerises listeners with his beautiful compositions
5
Narendra Kumar
England
I have learned a great deal in a short period of time. This has boosted my confidence and I now feel able to develop my skills further with his help.
5
Keith C.
England

Thank you very much for the lesson - it was great and I learned loads.

5
Mahrey
UK
My 10-year-old daughter and I have been learning Sitar from Pandit Vijay Jagtap since November last year. From the very first lesson, we both came away feeling very peaceful.  He’s kind, tolerant, patient, cultured, expert in his field and enjoys what he teaches. As for myself, have learnt a lot more in the last few months with Pandit Vijay Jagtap. I would most definitely recommend this teacher. We are both really enjoying our lessons… so much so that I’m waiting for my next child to be old enough to learn from him too!
5
Vrinda Kishori
London
"I highly recommend Guruji to any parent keen on introducing Hindustani music to their child".
5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey England
Learning to play the Sitar from Guruji has been one of the most rewarding aspects in my life. Now my son has also started to learn to play the Sitar from Guruji
5
Bimal
London
I am very happy that I found Vijayji. Guruji teaches in a way which is clear and understandable for the student. His lessons are very informative and enjoyable.
5
Dr Ashwin
England
" Why I love having harmonium lessons with Guruji (Vijay) is that he is so calm, patient, soft-spoken, and thorough, and you can feel the immense passion and enthusiasm he has for music. I feel great during and after every lesson and have already learnt so much in just a few lessons"
5
Jatin
Jatin London
I found the first lesson very relaxed and focused. The teaching style was friendly and I was very pleased to have been able to learn a scale within the first session
5
Gurpreet G
Medical Professional, Cambridge, England

Ustad Jagtap-ji is an excellent teacher. His passion and love for music is manifested through his teaching.

5
Hamasa/Sienna
Medical Professional, London, England
One of the most highly acclaimed British-based Sitar artists. He is renowned for both his technical excellence and brilliance on strings
5
Swarupam,
London, England

Ustaadji's level of teaching is not only deeply personalised, but rigorous and rewarding. Ustaadji is kind, constructive and patient. Cannot recommend enough!

5
Zubair
USA

“Learning under Guru Shri Vijay Jagtap has been truly rewarding. He is a skilled, patient, and thoughtful teacher—his measured approach and encouragement make all the difference. As a therapist, I find that playing the tabla offers a playful, embodied complement to my work. I feel lucky to have found such a great teacher.”

5
Sandeep, Psychotherapist, London

"I am eternally grateful to Guruji for his patience, dedication, and unwavering support in guiding me on my musical journey.”

5
Krish Vasudevan
Software engineer, Bushey, England

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